Fedex delivers when it comes to its employees

Dubai: A CEO who stood by a stabbed staff member, a managing director who rose from the ranks of a cargo handler, a sick employee who quit but was asked to come back, an executive who was grateful for the flexibility she got — this is the stuff that makes some companies great places to work for in the UAE.

As the results of an annual benchmarking study conducted by Great Place to Work Institute UAE, a global research firm, were released at an awards function in Dubai on Tuesday night, FedEx Express emerged as the top company to work for in 2012.

The transportation giant was followed by Microsoft, Marriott, Pepsico and The One, with Omni, Merck UAE, Bayt, Dulsco and EMC joining them down the line.

"The study assessed the companies' level of credibility, respect, fairness, pride and camaraderie based on confidential feedback from 4,000 employees across participating firms," said Dr Farrukh Kidwai, Partner & CEO of Great Place to Work Institute UAE.

Although the awards ceremony began behind schedule as some companies were late in arriving, it gave XPRESS ample time to catch up with those present, their anecdotes making the wait worth its while. Tayssir Awada, Managing Director of FedEx Express, talked about how he joined the company 26 years ago after college. "I began as a cargo handler, became a courier, an engineer, then got into operations and now planning."

He said what sets FedEx apart is that it values its people, is fair in its policies and gives employees the ability to choose career paths.

Sam Soni, Regional HR Manager, said, "I also began with FedEx as a courier 17 years ago. The opportunity to grow here is fabulous."

Many employees felt a company's human touch makes all the difference. Sabina Chadha, Purchasing Manager at The One, spoke of how Chandana, a Sri Lankan staff at a local distribution centre, had resigned after he collapsed on duty five years ago. As it turned out, he had a heart problem. "But our CEO Thomas Lundgren, who was in China at that time, wanted him to be taken to his doctor. His resignation letter was not accepted and his entire treatment was taken care of. A cool dude, he is still with us today," she said.

Jenny Bartlett, in charge of operations, also recalled the support given to an Abu Dhabi sales staff who was stabbed last year. "The whole company rallied round her, brought her mom and sister from Kenya and made round-the-clock visits to the hospital," she said, adding that Lundgren who was in Dubai also visited her on the day of the incident itself.

There are many other intangibles that define good employers. Dr Azza Al Shinnawy, Education & Citizenship Lead at Microsoft, said in all her 20 years of working experience across private and public organisations, she has yet to come across a company as flexible as her current employer. "The level of flexibility that this company gives to a parent is unmatched," she said.

Wayne Davis, HR Director for Middle East at GE, which was acknowledged along with Pepsico for implementing best practices in hiring Emiratis, said he had been with GE for 10 years because it is a great place for talented people to grow. "I like the spirit, values and the way we do business."

winners all

FedEX

Microsoft

Marriott

Pepsico

The One

Omni

Merck UAE

Bayt

Dulsco

EMC

GE